By MARK REY MONTEJO 

Lyceum escaped reigning champion Letran, 70-69, to keep its record pristine in two games in the NCAA Season 99 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Wednesday, Sept. 27.

John Barba delivered the last four points, including the crucial layup that sealed the victory for the Pirates which also kept Rensy Bajar and the Knights winless after two matches.

It was a close duel for both teams after seeing themselves to 12 deadlocks throughout the first half.

In the final frame, Kurt Reyson led Letran's attack and pulled his team to a 67-63 lead in the final minutes.

Shawn Umali, however, displayed his versatility when he drained a crucial triple that cut the deficit to just one, 66-67.

Reyson was able to answer with his own jumper to retake the lead, but Barba took charge and scored four straight points to seal the win.

Umali topped the scoring for Lyceum with 15 points while Enoch Valdez had 10. Barba finished with nine points and five rebounds.

Reyson led the Knights with 17 points, five rebounds and six assists in a losing effort.